After a six-week mid-season hiatus the crucial second half of the 2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals kicked off at Hervey Bay’s Dundowran Circuit today.

Additional testing and off-season racing paid dividends for the Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing team, with Brad Anderson and Ford Dale both claiming the third step of the dais in their respective MX1 and MX2 classes. 

Anderson holeshot the opening MX1 moto but lost a spot and ended the 9-lap race second. In Race 2 the Brit got a great start and moved around the outside of his competitors and into second.  

The Honda rider pushed a little too hard into the next and went down. Re-joining the race at the back of the field, Anderson worked his way up to tenth by the race end.

In the final 30 minute moto Anderson worked hard to secure a top three finish.

“I thought I had the holeshot in the final race but there was a bit of a melee and I got pushed through the barrier and then had to turn back,” Anderson explained. 

“I worked my way up to second but made a mistake and Todd  (Waters) got past me. 

“All-in-all I was quite happy to finish third in our first MX Nationals event following the break, but I need to work on being more consistent,” he continued.

“In terms of the championship I am still sitting third and made up some points on the championship leader (Josh Coppins).”

Teammate Ford Dale also had his work cut out for him, the Sunshine Coast rider spent a lot of today charging up through the order.  

Dale crashed twice in the opening MX2 race but came through to finish fifth. In the second moto Dale past Luke Styke for the lead but a small off saw him lose his lead and finish second.

A poor start in the final race proved costly for Dale who went down after a multi-rider collision on the opening lap. The Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing rider fought his way from the back of the field to finish fifth and claim his fourth podium of the year.

“After a six week break it is kind of like the season starting all over again so it was good to come out of today with a podium,” Dale said.

“My CRF250 was awesome today I just had too many crashes. I am still sitting second but I conceded a few more points to Luke (Styke). 

“The next four rounds are tracks that I really enjoy so I am looking forward to some better results,” Dale added

The Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing Team will now prepare for Round 7 of the Monster Energy MX Nationals at Horsham on Sunday July 15.

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